Dental Bonding in Aurora

What it is

Dental bonding uses composite resin, the same family of material as a white filling. Instead of filling a hole, though, your dentist adds it to the outside of the tooth to change its shape or cover a flaw. The resin is built up in thin layers, each one shaped and set with a curing light, then polished so it reflects light much like enamel.

Bonding shines in a few specific situations. A front tooth chipped on a water bottle or in a fall can often be rebuilt in one visit. A small gap between the two front teeth can be closed by adding resin to the sides of both teeth. A tooth that is smaller or more pointed than its neighbour can be built out to match. Notches worn into teeth at the gumline can be covered, which may also ease sensitivity there. Some stains and white spots can be masked when whitening cannot lift them.

Good tooth bonding starts with planning. Your dentist looks at how your teeth meet, because resin on a biting edge takes a lot of force. They also choose the shade with you in natural light. If you are thinking of whitening, it usually comes first, because composite resin bonding keeps the shade it was made in. Dr. Bita Tahghighi, who has advanced training in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry, is part of our team, and any of our dentists will talk you through what bonding can and cannot change.

How long bonding lasts on front teeth, and what shortens its life, is covered in our patient article on dental bonding, linked below with our related treatments.

Is it right for me?

• You have a small chip or rough edge on a front tooth.
• There is a small gap between two teeth that bothers you.
• One tooth looks shorter or narrower than the teeth around it.
• You have a notch at the gumline that catches your toothbrush or feels sensitive.
• You want a change that keeps as much natural tooth as possible and can be adjusted later.

Step by step

1. Smile and bite checkYour dentist checks the teeth and gums, looks at how you bite and asks what you would like to change.
2. Choose the shadeA shade guide is held next to your teeth, sometimes with a small test dab of resin, to find the closest match.
3. Prepare the surfaceThe tooth is cleaned and lightly roughened, then a bonding liquid is applied so the resin will grip.
4. Build and shapeResin is added in layers and sculpted by hand. Each layer is set with a blue curing light.
5. Polish and reviewThe bonding is trimmed, polished and checked against your bite. You look in the mirror and we fine-tune the shape with you.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

Bonding fees depend on how many teeth are treated and how many surfaces of each tooth are built up. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide. Insurance plans often treat bonding done for looks as cosmetic and may not pay for it, while rebuilding a tooth broken in an accident may be handled as a repair. We can send a predetermination so you know before you start. We bill all insurance plans directly and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP, each with its own rules on what is covered. Ask about our in-house dental plan and student program. You get a written estimate first.

What shapes your estimate

• How many teeth are bonded
• How much each tooth is being changed
• Whether whitening is planned first
• Whether the bonding repairs damage or is for looks, which affects insurance
• Whether any decay or gum treatment is needed first

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

After your visit

• For the first day or two, go easy on coffee, tea, red wine and smoking while the surface settles.
• If your bite feels uneven or an edge feels sharp to your tongue once you get home, call us for a quick smoothing.
• Avoid using bonded teeth to bite fingernails, open packages or crack ice.
• Keep your regular cleanings so the bonding can be checked and polished.

Questions